Boat Test Monday: Premier 275 Intrigue

Every year, we meet up with some of the top manufactures in the pontoon and deck boat world to test their newest models. All of these reviews are compiled in a special Boat Test issue that comes out during the first part of the year. Here is one of the best 2012 models. Enjoy!

Premier 275 Intrigue

Our First Impression

With the extra width, this 10-foot wide pontoon looks huge as well as inviting from the dock. Bigger can be better, especially when you're referring to the Intrigue from Premier that takes comfort and added amenities to the next level. Talk about inviting: we couldn't wait to take a closer look.

Consumer Test

For years we've been raving about the Flexsteel helm chairs and furniture seat bases Premier uses and this luxury `toon doesn't disappoint. From a distance the plush furniture appears overstuffed with comfort and it truly does feel as good as it looks when you sit down. We especially love the two helm chairs in the bow that match perfectly with the one for the captain. The extra beam width opens up the floorplan to not only provide plenty of walk room, but also support the standard center gate in the stern that can be easily converted into a full seating area with the filler bench seat.

Other key features include the remote PWR ARM bimini top from Schwintek that allows you to open, close and even lower you bimini with a push of a button. We also love the synthetic teak flooring in the bow and stern as well as the large pop-up changing room that is well hidden in the stern seating area behind the captain's chair.

In the stern is a great swim platform with a massive ski/tow bar as well as a five-step boarding ladder. I guess if we had to be picky, a washdown and maybe even a stereo remote in the stern might be a nice added touch, but as is this boat already has more features and amenities than we have room to list.

With so much added attention to the details, it's impossible not to give this boat high marks for fit and finish work as well as high marks for it safe design.

Inspection Test

Below deck, one of the few options is the three pontoons with lifting strakes that make up the unique PTX hull design. This unique package includes two 27-inch diameter pontoons with a center tube that is 36 inches wide with a 12-inch flat planing surface. This setup explains why the boat turns like a V-hull model, but we'll get to that in a second. The Z-shaped cross-members are on 16-inch centers overall and on eight-inch centers near the transom and are fastened with tek fastners to the plywood deck. From the welding to the wiring, the undercarriage inspection earned high marks for craftsmanship.

There is over 17 feet of usable space from inside the bow gate to the rear bench and we love the 32-inch deep in-floor ski locker that is seven feet long inside.

Performance Test

Everything else on this pontoon seems to be bigger and better so it shouldn't come as a surprise that the outboard on this particular model was a Mercury Verado 300 four-stroke. The extra width adds a few extra pounds to the dry weight, but you'd never guess it by the way she performs. At full throttle we reached speeds over 40 mph and the 0 to 20 mph time was nearly five seconds flat. With the power-assist hydraulic steering the handling was how it should be-easy and fun to drive. You notice the extra width at the dock, but not when you're out turning sharp corners.

Who Should Buy It

Obviously designed as a high-end luxury pontoon, the Intrigue was born to entertain. But with the PTX hull, ski/tow bar and other performance features, this `toon is too versatile to be considered just a great luxury model.

Why We Love This ModelYou can't beat the high-end look and feel of this Premier. You get all the luxury and creature comforts you need, plus a great performing pontoon as well.

Just Being PickyWith such a great rear-entry design, this area is going to attract a lot of attention and could use a washdown for the synthetic teak area to help keep the interior of your pontoon clean.